Shippers get help from port

Columbia River shippers are taking advantage of a subsidy program from the Port of Portland while the barge system is shut down for a repair of the locks.

The Port set aside $800,000 for shippers that have been forced to use trucks or rail at a higher cost during the 14-week closure that began Dec. 10.

The Port will pay shippers $400 a container for rail shipments from Lewiston, Idaho, and $250 per container moved by truck from Umatilla and Boardman, until the locks reopen or the $800,000 runs out.

Josh Thomas, a Port spokesman, said officials expect the money to be enough to support the shippers through the closure. The payments will not cover the total shipping costs but are designed to maintain Portland's competitive advantage. Exporters would otherwise find it cheaper to truck products to Puget Sound ports.

Read more at OregonLive.com.

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